What is the water temp susposed to run on these things?

Since it's been cold (under 30), I see about 180 max and see drops down to 172 when decelerating. I'm wondering if my gas mileage is suffering, because it's not warm enough. I gained 1mpg with my 6.0 diesel with a new thermostat, when it wouldn't get above 180 and stay at 190.

Do I have a defective thermostat? or are these things cooler running?

 

How do you know the water temp? Are you using a Scangauge?

 

Yes, a scanguage.

 

That sounds about right. When I was at the Ohio meet, my water temps never escalated over 215. That was flat out, uphill with 15k lbs + behind it for a mile or so. Fans never even came on.

I'll try and remember to monitor it some tomorrow when I'm running errands.

 

Today's findings are after 3 miles it peaked at 188 then dropped to 177 in half a mile, and held til I came to a stop 7 miles later and it dropped to 168. Did the same on the return trip. Would only come up to 177 after a few miles.

Heater shure felt great at that 188, not so much at 170.

 

My Edge CS Monitor shows 205 most of the time. That is the cylinder head temp. It won't show me the water temp.

 

Anybody else have water temp readings? Dealers don't want to mess with it till it gets colder.

I'm ready to trade back to a V10, 5.4 or a newer Dodge? What's the best deal?

Only reason I went to a 6.2 was the get the 4 door and a gas for faster heat in winter. Most my miles are in the winter.

 

Put a cover on it or is there room to put a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator?

That is what I used to do short of the cover.

 

Update, put in a napa thermostat today. Went for a short 1/2 mile drive due to visibility. Had readings of 191-197 degrees. Not long enough to really tell heat output but should be way better than the 179 high I had going to NAPA. Will update if gas mileage also increases.

 

Wow, depending on wind direction I now see 193- 197 degrees. Feels like a Ford again (having to turn down the heat since it gets quite warm now).

I do would say for certain my MPG's have climbed back to a respectable 13-14+ for winter.

 

thanks for reporting back that you fixed your issue.